too late for a second chance novel (Lila and Dorian)

Vince stopped mid-sentence. He was about to say that Kieran was easygoing, but that didn't feel quite right. After thinking it over, he rephrased it. "As long as his wife is around, Mr. Morgan is easy to talk to."

Xyla nodded thoughtfully. Vince then added, "Didn't you say you're a big fan of Teddy? Let's catch up with them, so you can get to know him better."

For the longest time, Vince had assumed his sister had a thing for Teddy. But ever since Soren returned to the country, she had been spending more and more time with him. After learning about their engagement, Vince actually found himself supporting the idea of Jamie and Soren being together.

The Smiths weren't a powerhouse, but they were well-off and, more importantly, well-respected. The elders adored Jamie, and Soren himself was a solid guy. If she married him, she'd never have to worry about anything for the rest of her life.

Soren really did seem like the perfect choice for a brother-in-law.

Vince led Xyla forward, and as Lila glanced back, she caught sight of him reaching out to steady Xyla as they navigated the uneven trail. Meanwhile, Amelia had already moved far ahead, walking with Michael and Matthew without so much as a glance back.

"The steps get steeper from here, so focus on climbing first," Kieran said, sensing Lila's distracted state. "There's plenty of time for you to talk to him later."

Lila snapped back to reality and gave him a small, apologetic smile. She looped her arm through his and continued climbing at a steady pace. Still, she couldn't help but ask casually, "Do you think Vince likes Amelia?"

Kieran chuckled, his grip on her hand firm yet relaxed. A budding peach blossom stretched from a branch nearby, but his smile was even more breathtaking. "He does."

"How are you so sure?" she asked, surprised.

"Just a feeling." His answer was simple, yet for some reason, Lila believed him.

After about an hour of hiking, the group stopped for a break. Vince watched as Matthew pulled out an apple and handed it to Amelia. "It's washed." With a smile, she took it and bit into it.

Xyla followed Vince's gaze and glanced over at Amelia before whispering, "Do you want an apple? I forgot to bring one, but I have oranges. Do you want one?" Vince quietly looked away. "No, thanks."

Out of nowhere, he remembered that morning when Amelia pointed at Matthew and said her type was someone like him. Did she mean someone like him or him specifically? As far as he knew, they hadn't known each other that long. When had she fallen for him?

He lowered his gaze, a mix of disappointment and confusion clouding his thoughts. If she liked Matthew, then why had she taken another man to the hotel that right? Sure, she often joked and said

outrageous things, but that

night-when they both lost

control-it had clearly been her first

time.

Lost in thought, he barely noticed when Matthew peeled an orange and handed it

to Amelia. His lips pressed into a thin line, but he didn't say a word.

Michael glanced over and, without a word, reached out his hand, signaling that he wanted one too. For someone who always seemed cold, he was actually a total

people-pleaser. Even a casoyers

could make him feel guilty for ages. Just like how, after a simple favor, Matthew had been nothing but accommodating to him ever since.

Amelia accepted the orange, and Matthew quickly peeled another one for Michael.

Just then, Lila smacked Michael lightly on the arm. "All you do is eat! Carry Matthew's bag on the next stretch."noveldrama

Michael wanted to protest. Matthew was plenty strong, there was no need for him to help. But when he met Lila's mock-serious expression and caught Kieran's indifferent yet unmistakably firm gaze, he swallowed his words.

After a short break, the group resumed their hike. Wanting a chance to talk to Vince, Lila deliberately slowed her pace, pulling Kieran with her until they eventually fell in step beside him.